Onam, Kerala’s vibrant celebration, is more than flower carpets, feasts, or boat races. At its heart, it is a celebration of harmony, a time when families reconnect over eras. From the stylish Thiruvathira to the lively Vallam Kali races each tradition shows the joy of community and togetherness.
Onam fills homes with laughter, prayers music and food. It’s a beloved festival that strengthens family bonds in many ways. India is beloved for its many diverse celebrations. Each place in India has its own beliefs and traditions. These create unique local celebrations. These celebrations have their own character. They hold a special place in the hearts of millions.
It’s clear that celebrations happen all over India with great enthusiasm and excitement. The morning of a celebration day is special, unlike any other. It’s much better, trust me. In Maharashtra, people celebrate Gudi Padwa each year with renewed energy and pride.
The Legend That Brings Families Together
Another awe-inspiring illustration of a celebrated celebration in India is Onam. Onam is an excellent celebration celebrated in the southwestern state of Kerala. It is celebrated each year, this year falling from 22 August to 2 September. Onam is the most important and awaited celebration for Keralites.
It is also the official state festival of Kerala. Open events are important for every citizen during their term. They show respect and social value. The celebration is known as a "harvest festival.
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It marks the start of a new year called Kolla Varsham. This beloved celebration lasts for 10 days. The first day is called Attam, and the last day is Thiru Onam, or Thiruvonam. Onam includes various celebrations and traditions. People from all communities and regions in Kerala observe them with respect.
After learning about Onam, you might wonder: How did it start? Many history students think this great celebration has been around for a long time. Researchers first found data about Onam in a sonnet called Maturaikkanci. According to Hindu mythology, Onam is celebrated each year to honor the awesome demon king, Mahabali.
Mahabali, the ruler connected to Onam, was the grandson of Prahlad. Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and the son of Hiranyakashyap. He helped secure victory over the gods, becoming the ruler of all three worlds. The devil ruler seemed cruel and vile, but he was actually kind and humble to his subjects.
The Divine beings, seeing this, argued with Master Vishnu to conclude Mahabali. After taking control of the world, Mahabali announced that he would grant any wish. This would happen during a yajna (sacrifice) he would soon perform.
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Master Vishnu took this chance and disguised himself as a humble friar named Vamana. After inquiring of the minister what he craved, the minister answered that all he required was three paces of land. After his wish was granted, Vamana grew immensely and took over all of Mahabali’s lands in two steps.
Some time before he might move on to the third place, the lord offered his head to Vamana. Vishnu saw this as a sign of dedication. So, he granted Mahabali a boon, allowing him to visit his lands once a year. Onam celebrates the great ruler Mahabali visiting his lands. It honors his virtue and humility.
How Onam Celebration Is Celebrated?
The 10-day merriment of Onam is greatly assorted and reverential. Lovers spend days sharing food with the Master. They visit temples, celebrate with their families, and wear traditional Kerala dresses.
The ladies of the house wear the wonderful white and gold saree known as Kasavu. They love to move, create beautiful rangolis, and plan Sadya, the traditional food enjoyed during Onam.
Tradition, Nourishment Served Amid Onam
This yearly feast features a mix of delicious Kerala dishes. It’s sure to make anyone’s mouth water. The Onam Sadya has 26 dishes in it and is customarily a 9-course dinner, served on delicate banana leaves.
Some dishes include Kootu curry, Olan, Kalan, Parippu Payasam, and the popular Rasam. A sweat’s work, but all worth it, I guarantee you!
Significance of Pookalam in Onam
The flower rangoli called Pookkalam is also clear. It’s created by the women of the family. They use different types of flowers and lights to create beautiful designs in the halls of temples and homes. These amazing rangolis welcome the demon king Mahabali and show him respect.
Cultural Exercises Amid Onam Festival
1: Pontoon Race
Next is the Vallamkali, Kerala's lively boat race. It echoes with the celebrations of Onam. In this, a few men and women push enormous vessels that are shaped to take after a wind. Especially done on the Pampa River, visitors from a far distance come to Kerala amid this time to witness the uncommon races.
2: People Dance
Any celebration feels incomplete without movement, especially Onam. Kerala showcases many charming crafts during Onam. These include Thiruvathira, Pulikali, Onam Kali, Thumbi Thullal, and more. The Pulikali is often seen during Onam. Artists paint their bodies in red, dark, and yellow to look like tigers. The "tiger dance" is full of energy and teamwork. It’s a blast to watch!
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3: Elephant Procession
Another tremendous and anticipated part of the Onam celebrations is the elephant parade. Whereas they may appear insignificant, these parades are profoundly celebrated in Kerala. Colossal elephants are prepared and delightfully beautified with decorations and blooms.
They are shown on the streets and wave to the people. The elephants move and are the primary fascination of the celebrations. This convention celebrates the joyful bond between animals and people. It also teaches us to treat animals with kindness.
Final Thoughts
An amazingly extraordinary celebration, Onam instructs us in honesty, judgment, peace, and cherishing. Family esteem and positive connections with loved ones are very important. This is clear from the various celebrations during Onam. Celebrations like Onam bring people together. They truly capture the essence of Indian culture and heritage.
